RACER Logo
Wings and flaps

Most Popular

Days before he died, Johncock became reacquainted with the car that helped start it all
IndyCar
Days before he died, Johncock became reacquainted with the car that helped start it all
15h ago
Dallara begins IR-28 IndyCar production run
IndyCar
Dallara begins IR-28 IndyCar production run
13h ago
Palou to sample Ganassi Indy NXT car at IMS road course test
Indy NXT
Palou to sample Ganassi Indy NXT car at IMS road course test
15h ago
Ford no longer evaluating an IndyCar program
IndyCar
Ford no longer evaluating an IndyCar program
1d ago
Haas F1 signs rookie Camara to multi-year contract from 2027
Formula 1
Haas F1 signs rookie Camara to multi-year contract from 2027
16h ago
How do wings on race cars work?

Technical Explainers

How do wings on race cars work?

By RACER Staff - Aug 28, 2026, 9:18 AM ET

Race car wings work on the same basic aerodynamic principle as airplane wings, but flipped upside down to push the car into the track instead of lifting it into the air.The fundamental tension with wings – and aero in general – is downforce vs. drag. More downforce means more grip...

logo
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyContact usFeedbackConsent Preferences
Motorsports
IndyCarNASCARFormula 1IMSA
Participate
ClubsSchoolsSingle Makes
Subscribe
StreamingFree NewslettersManage Magazine
Services
AdvertiseStudioAgency Creators

All contents copyright © 2026, Racer Media & Marketing, LLC. or Racer Network, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Contact us at 2525 Main St, Ste 430, Irvine, CA 92614, 949.417.6700 for more information.